Maryland General Assembly
The Maryland General Assembly convened for its 446th session on the 10th of January 2024. This modern body traces its roots to the colonial institution known as the Assembly of Free Marylanders. Lord Baltimore held absolute authority over his domain under the foundational charter. He owned all land granted in that document and ruled with complete power. British political institutions were re-created within the colonies despite this structure. An act passed in the early days stated that every gentleman summoned by writ would have a voice in the assembly. The Lord Proprietor could also summon any delegates he desired. In 1639 free men of Maryland passed an act requiring assemblies to be called at least once every three years. This ensured their voices would be heard regularly during those decades. During the American Revolution the colonial Assembly ceased to exist entirely. It was replaced by its modern successor after that conflict ended.
Starting in 1867 the Assembly became increasingly unrepresentative of the population. As the population of Baltimore increased it received no additional seats. By 1918 the city's population had grown 175 percent while the entire state gained only 46 percent. No reallocation of political power occurred during that period. The current pattern for distribution of seats began with the legislative apportionment plan of 1972. That plan created 47 legislative districts crossing county boundaries. Each district elects one senator and three delegates. Many districts are divided into subdistricts for delegate elections. Some areas use three one-delegate subdistricts or one two-delegate subdistrict paired with one one-delegate subdistrict. The General Assembly adjourned early on the 18th of March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marked the first time since the Civil War such an action took place.
Each senator or delegate must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Maryland for at least one year before election. A prospective legislator must have resided in the specific legislative district for six months prior to election. A senator must be at least twenty-five years old at the time of election. A delegate must be at least twenty-one years old when elected. Military officers other than members of the reserves cannot be elected to the General Assembly. Each term lasts four years without any term limits imposed. If a vacancy occurs through death resignation or disqualification the Governor appoints a replacement. The State Central Committee of the same political party submits the name for that seat. Members serve four-year terms throughout their careers if reelected.
The Senate is led by a President while the House is led by a Speaker. These leaders influence the legislative process significantly through their duties. They appoint members of most committees and name chairs and vice-chairs. The Joint Committee on Investigation elects its own officers instead. The President and Speaker preside over daily sessions maintaining decorum. They decide points of order during debates. As legislation is introduced they assign it to standing committees for consideration. Public hearings follow these assignments. The president pro tempore appoints majority and minority whips and leaders. These roles shape how bills move through the chamber each session.
A bill is a proposal to change repeal or add to existing state law. HB 6 refers to one example of a House Bill introduced in the House of Delegates. SB numbers indicate Senate Bills introduced in the Senate. The numbering starts fresh each session with no carryover from previous years. A legislator sends an idea to the Department of Legislative Services' bill drafting division. That division drafts the bill into formal form before returning it. Introduction occurs when the bill number sponsor name and descriptive title are read on the floor. Notice of committee hearings appears in the Maryland Register allowing public comment. Testimony may be heard from any member of the public supporting or opposing the bill. A majority vote of committee membership passes the bill to the next stage. An ordinary bill needs a majority vote to pass while emergency bills require three-fifths votes. Constitutional amendments also need three-fifths votes for passage.
Common questions
When did the Maryland General Assembly convene for its 446th session?
The Maryland General Assembly convened for its 446th session on the 10th of January 2024. This modern body traces its roots to the colonial institution known as the Assembly of Free Marylanders.
What is the history of the Maryland General Assembly before the American Revolution?
Lord Baltimore held absolute authority over his domain under the foundational charter and owned all land granted in that document. In 1639 free men of Maryland passed an act requiring assemblies to be called at least once every three years. The colonial Assembly ceased to exist entirely during the American Revolution.
How are legislative districts distributed in the current Maryland General Assembly?
The current pattern for distribution of seats began with the legislative apportionment plan of 1972. That plan created 47 legislative districts crossing county boundaries where each district elects one senator and three delegates.
Who can serve as a member of the Maryland General Assembly and what are their age requirements?
Each senator or delegate must be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Maryland for at least one year before election. A senator must be at least twenty-five years old at the time of election while a delegate must be at least twenty-one years old when elected.
How does a bill become law within the Maryland General Assembly process?
A legislator sends an idea to the Department of Legislative Services' bill drafting division which drafts the bill into formal form before returning it. An ordinary bill needs a majority vote to pass while emergency bills require three-fifths votes and all passed bills except budget bills and constitutional amendments must reach the Governor within twenty days after adjournment.